January 2015Mental Wellness MonthWhat you can do: Mention mental wellness in your everyday conversations, donate to the advocacy group of your choice, or make an effort to increase your personal awareness of those who struggle with mental illness.February 2015Teen Dating Violence Awareness MonthWhat you can do: Teen dating violence seems to increase every year and with it, the stigma and resulting depression that victims often struggle with. Being a supportive parent, friend, teacher or sibling can make an enormously positive difference in the life of a depressed teen.

February 9 - 15Random Acts of Kindness WeekWhat you can do: Doing something kind for someone can not only be beneficial for them, but it can encourage you too! Whether holding a door open for a stranger or sending a card to a friend, try a few small kindnesses this week.

February 23 - March 1National Eating Disorders Awareness WeekWhat you can do: Those struggling with an eating disorder often also struggle with resulting depression. Make an effort this week to be extra supportive to someone you know who is recovering from an eating disorder.

My name is Rayna Battle and I suffer from Major Depression, Cyclothymia, and Generalized Anxiety. I am not a mental health professional. Instead, I am a fellow sufferer, researching and fighting to understand the illnesses that threaten our happiness. My motto of hope is: There are always stars in the dark!

Each week I send out a brief newsletter with encouragement, tips, and other useful mental health resources. You can sign up for this free newsletter using the box right below this article.

Thank you for reading! I encourage you to share your opinion of it in the Depression forum, a community of people who understand.